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Martha Leboho Herald Correspondent
Government is concerned with the increase in cases of gender-based violence around Masvingo Province, an official has said.

The provincial head in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development, Mr Joseph Mupinga, said in an interview last week.

He said that they were working on a multi-sectorial approach to reduce the scourge.

He said they were receiving an average of 100 cases from all the province’s seven administrative districts monthly.

“It is worrisome to note that we have an upsurge in gender based violence cases in our province. The worst affected areas are Zaka and Chivi districts where we have recorded a lot of sexual abuse and murder cases,” said Mr Mupinga.

“On average we get up to 100 such cases being reported per month, mainly related to domestic violence.

“We are working together with other ministries and non-governmental organisations to implement a multi-sectoral approach to reduce cases of GBV in our area. GBV should be condemned with the contempt it deserves.”

He said women constituted the bulk of the victims of gender based violence in Masvingo province.

He said in some cases they incurred physical and emotional injuries.

“They also end up visually handicapped, deaf or dumd while others commit suicide,” said Mr Mupinga.

He added that Government was trying to empower women through the Women’s Bank and Women in Tourism initiatives to address gender equality issues.